Guilia experiences wanted! (the cheaper cars)

Guilia experiences wanted! (the cheaper cars)

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greenarrow

Original Poster:

3,582 posts

117 months

Monday 6th March 2023
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Greetings Alfa fans. BMW owner here starting to get a bit bored. I have a conundrum because I am a hybrid worker who does a 260 mile trip to the office each month in Wirral from Bournemouth area and so I do appreciate the motorway munching abilities of my humble 318d. But I can't lie, maybe its the runflats but I've had mixed feelings about the handling/ride and the N47 engine is not the quietest or smoothest. Anyway, I keep looking longingly at Alfa Guilias when I see them. As a young man I owned an Alfasud and its left me with a soft spot for the brand, even though I have never owned another Alfa.

I am wondering whether I could swap for a Guilia. Either the 2 litre diesel, or the 2 litre petrol model would seem to be the best bet for my use. So I am looking for feedback from any Guilia owners, especially any who made the move from a diesel BMW 3 series. I imagine there must be a few. A few questions

1. Can you get them without run flats. 2. Is the ride better than it is on the F30 3 series? 3. Good points, bad points, happy, or regrets?

Thankyou.

r159

2,256 posts

74 months

Tuesday 7th March 2023
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Having just spent nearly 8 hrs in my Speciale in the last 24hrs driving on our motorway stework, I can confirm there are a lot worse places to be. Even with run flats, you can fit normal tyres

When you get off the motorway it’s a great drive too.

If you want diesel try and go for the higher power version it has a bit more pep but still does 40 -55 mpg.

You will notice the near extra 40bhp and 100 ft/lb over the 18d

The only regret I have is not getting the paddles. The Speciale is a great spec for the diesel, I couldn’t find a veloce in my price range at the time but owners I know really like them… no idea on mpg though.

I’ve never had a car that has had so many random people give complements on… not important just nice. Today a group got out of a 3 series and look around the car today at a services.

The only reference I can offer regarding 3 series is that I did have an 318d msport e91 but that was a good while ago (Giulia is better but there is 14 years between them)

Edited by r159 on Tuesday 7th March 20:17


Edited by r159 on Tuesday 7th March 20:24

Castrol for a knave

4,671 posts

91 months

Tuesday 7th March 2023
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Petrol Veloce here.

I am averaging 34mpg, mostly A road and motorway..

Handling is superb. Better than BMW, can only compare to a 330d, but much more nimble. Better than an XE, which is high praise.

Solid aluminium paddles are cool.

Interior is a nice place to be and the leather seats beautifully made. I have tan with dark blue exterior. Nice combo.

Performance is adequate, mid range is quick. Not up there with a 340 but probably more pep than a 330( according to mate wih one).

It is a light car and you can tell.

Sat nav and entertainment ste.

No run flats on mine so can't comment there.

I got mine as a motorway pig to pile miles on and glad I did. A bit differant to the usual fayre.

I suspect all the architects buy these now Saab are defunct.

abucd4

523 posts

144 months

Tuesday 7th March 2023
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It’s common thing to swap from the runflats, so most used ones will be swapped by now.

Ride is excellent, but they are low. Basically super comfy for motorway work, terrible on speed bumps as it’ll catch the front.

Veloce is a superb car, but mpg is ”alright” at best (I averaged 27 mixed driving), but if you can get over that it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. I didn’t even hate the diesel when I had it as a courtesy car, found it relatively smooth and responsive. Try to get a speciale not a super if you do - basically veloce spec with the diesel engine. Better seats and most have the paddles I believe, but do your own checks there. Carplay post-18.

They don’t have any real reliability problems - a low battery will throw lights for fun, and they need servicing on the dot because of the multi air unit - but keep on top of that and it’ll be good. Interior trim was much better than the stop-gap Golf R I had afterwards.

I agree with the above sentiment too - the general public seems to love them, randoms in petrol stations will want to talk about how their “grandad had an alfa” etc. It’s a lovely positive vibe to experience. I’d love another one day - QF maybe.

Some Gump

12,687 posts

186 months

Friday 10th March 2023
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Interested because i've also been eyeing up Giulias!

According to the various tuning websites i've visited, all the alfa engines are identical - so if you find a well specced 150 horse diesel, or any petrol a trip to celtic tuning or similar and you can flash the ECU, and boom veloce power.

Mentioned it because it potentially opens up the net for your search on autotrader smile

Glutton

78 posts

125 months

Friday 10th March 2023
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Interesting on the mpg, I’m looking at a Veloce as I’m not convinced diesel is cost effective at the current prices even doing 25k a year.

I fancy something different my current 120d is a competent car, but doesn’t have anything in the way of character. Have you had any issues?

Castrol for a knave said:
Petrol Veloce here.

I am averaging 34mpg, mostly A road and motorway..

Handling is superb. Better than BMW, can only compare to a 330d, but much more nimble. Better than an XE, which is high praise.

Solid aluminium paddles are cool.

Interior is a nice place to be and the leather seats beautifully made. I have tan with dark blue exterior. Nice combo.

Performance is adequate, mid range is quick. Not up there with a 340 but probably more pep than a 330( according to mate wih one).

It is a light car and you can tell.

Sat nav and entertainment ste.

No run flats on mine so can't comment there.

I got mine as a motorway pig to pile miles on and glad I did. A bit differant to the usual fayre.

I suspect all the architects buy these now Saab are defunct.

Kingdom35

937 posts

85 months

Monday 13th March 2023
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Following with interest.

Looking at Giulia's under the 20k price bracket. Petrol, is the Super a massive downstep from the Veloce? Ie should i wait for one of the later to show up?

Im thinking Super then remap.

Castrol for a knave

4,671 posts

91 months

Monday 13th March 2023
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Glutton said:
Interesting on the mpg, I’m looking at a Veloce as I’m not convinced diesel is cost effective at the current prices even doing 25k a year.

I fancy something different my current 120d is a competent car, but doesn’t have anything in the way of character. Have you had any issues?

Castrol for a knave said:
Petrol Veloce here.

I am averaging 34mpg, mostly A road and motorway..

Handling is superb. Better than BMW, can only compare to a 330d, but much more nimble. Better than an XE, which is high praise.

Solid aluminium paddles are cool.

Interior is a nice place to be and the leather seats beautifully made. I have tan with dark blue exterior. Nice combo.

Performance is adequate, mid range is quick. Not up there with a 340 but probably more pep than a 330( according to mate wih one).

It is a light car and you can tell.

Sat nav and entertainment ste.

No run flats on mine so can't comment there.

I got mine as a motorway pig to pile miles on and glad I did. A bit different to the usual fayre.

I suspect all the architects buy these now Saab are defunct.
I had a few issues when I got it.

It has been in for niggly stuff- rear seat fold down lever didn't work, it had a misfire on cold. They replaced the Multiair unit, though I believe lumpy when cold is "a Guilia thing". Sat Nav had it's GPS unit replaced.

It runs nicely. The mid range is great, really kicks in - feels more like my 3.0 XF-S.

Overall, I like it. It's not as bang up to date as a comparable A4 or 3 series, but I think it is a much more involving car to drive.


greenarrow

Original Poster:

3,582 posts

117 months

Tuesday 14th March 2023
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Liking all the positive reviews. Is the Veloce the 200PS one or 280PS? I am not really an expert on Alfa engines. I know Auto Express said the basic 200PS petrol felt more like 240/250PS.

Does anyone know which models come with run flats as standard and which ones don't?

The important thing for me is that it entertains and feels like a RWD car should. My F30 has a nice balance, but for me seems understeer biased if you go into corners too quickly or take roundabouts just a tad too fast. The only time it feels remotely RWD is on cold roads where a bootfull of throttle can get a bit of slip at the back. Also, it falls to pieces on country lanes with any crests/compressions. Combination of the ride set up and the run flats. Its disappointed me to be honest as I was always led to believe the BMW 3 was best in class and I want something that can take apart a B road like you would hope a RWD sports saloon would. Sounds like the Guilia can do that sort of stuff ok.... thanks for the feedback all.

Castrol for a knave

4,671 posts

91 months

Tuesday 14th March 2023
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greenarrow said:
Liking all the positive reviews. Is the Veloce the 200PS one or 280PS? I am not really an expert on Alfa engines. I know Auto Express said the basic 200PS petrol felt more like 240/250PS.

Does anyone know which models come with run flats as standard and which ones don't?

The important thing for me is that it entertains and feels like a RWD car should. My F30 has a nice balance, but for me seems understeer biased if you go into corners too quickly or take roundabouts just a tad too fast. The only time it feels remotely RWD is on cold roads where a bootfull of throttle can get a bit of slip at the back. Also, it falls to pieces on country lanes with any crests/compressions. Combination of the ride set up and the run flats. Its disappointed me to be honest as I was always led to believe the BMW 3 was best in class and I want something that can take apart a B road like you would hope a RWD sports saloon would. Sounds like the Guilia can do that sort of stuff ok.... thanks for the feedback all.
The Veloce was the 280 bhp model. I think it still is, though there are variations on it now, such as the Estrema.

It is very well planted. so much so that many of the reviews moan about not being able to turn of traction and step out the back end. Not something I have every worried about on a car, but I am clearly not a PH driving god. That said, it never feels like it understeers, you know the power is coming out the back.

The roads by me are very twisty and bumpy, and it never feels like it's out of sorts or the compression has gone wayward. The one thing I have had to get used to is the speed of the rack - it turns in very quick.

I don't have run flats on mine but the forums suggest they are not as obvious as those used on the equivalent BMW.

Alfaowner has a dedicated Guilia forum - definitely worth a look.

https://www.alfaowner.com/forums/alfa-giulia.362/


The-Wanderer

213 posts

67 months

Tuesday 14th March 2023
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Mine’s still on the run flats from new, and I agree with the comment above that they aren’t as obvious as on other cars, particularly a C Class and a 320 which were both rock hard bone shakers.

The Giulia is very agile, feels much lighter and nimbler than the C Class, the 3 series and an A4 Quattto. It’s a far better driver’s car to me than any of the obvious alternatives.

The steering is very quick, and I found it a bit odd for the first couple of days but you soon get used to it.

You can provoke it to do rear wheel drive things, but it’s so composed, planted and agile you have to really be heavy handed/footed do so.

The Veloce has 280hp, which doesn’t sound a lot compared to the German alternatives, but it’s never felt like too little, and coupled with the lightness and the agility it feels perfectly quick enough. Obviously wouldn’t say no to Quad, but it wouldn’t make sense for me as a daily.

The Germans probably have more modern tech and toys, but the Alfa is a lovely place to sit, with CarPlay as standard it has all the tech I need, and still has a proper instrument cluster and doesn’t feel like driving an iPad. Unfortunately the MY23 update loses the instruments in favour of a digital dash.

It’s well put together and doesn’t squeak or rattle; and in 16,000 miles in just over a year it’s had nothing but a first service.

It’s extremely comfortable; we drove from Varenna on Lake Como to Ashford virtually non stop last May, and felt fresh as a daisy when we called it a day.

You’ve probably gathered I quite like it by now. I really don’t know what else I’d buy to replace it at the moment.

De-lurk

18 posts

228 months

Tuesday 14th March 2023
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I went from a F11 535D which I ran for 6 years and 110K miles to 280 Veloce which I had for 18 months and 10K miles. From my experience, go in with your eyes wide open on reliability and make sure you have access to a good dealer/indy.

Good bits: It drives flipping well. It feels light on its toes and rides well even on RFT; lovely steering and the ZF8 is calibrated superbly. Economy is ok too. Nice leather inside and it looks beautiful. Have you noticed how Merc seem to have borrowed the rear styling?

Not so good bits: the electrics are a real weak point on these cars IMHO. In a short space of time, mine had a new outside temp sensor and associated wiring loom, alarm sensor, it needed to live on a trickle charger to prevent issues with the HRW & stop/start; the main info screen froze a few times. 3 or 4 relays live just inside the front wheel arch and are prone to failing. It also likes to rust on the roof corners. Mine needed the screen out and treated/resprayed all round. The new OEM rear discs are rubbish and need changing very early. Mine also had an oil leak at the pressure switch apparently.

If you are relaxed about a car developing niggles and can fix/get fixed without too much hassle, then they are a wonderful change from the German brands. As mentioned above, the Alfa forum is the place to visit if you do buy one and run into any trouble.

navmangt

57 posts

118 months

Friday 17th March 2023
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I have an early Giulia 180BHP 2.2 Diesel which I've done around 10k miles in and really do love it when I'm in the drivers seat.

The ride and handling is fantastic as everyone says. Mine is on 17s and has very chunky sidewalls and I would say it feels on par or slightly better than my friends 5 series estate. The steering is quick and adds to the lightness and I have never felt a hint of understeer but have had the rear move under very wet conditions. TC/stability control is always on so it doesn't turn into any sort of drama.

The diesel is fine, sounds very diesely from the outside and I'm sure they're pumping some fake noise in the cabin. Has great punch from about 2-3.5k rpm and is fairly linear from that point on wards. Absolutely have to have the paddles if you want to be more involved, however. The action is great and because the gearing is short you're always pulling them, but when you do want to just cruise in auto the ZF8 is very smooth to the point you can just forget it. Mine is currently averaging 42mpg with a mix of mostly town and the odd dual carriage/motorway once a week. I've seen 57mpg cruising at 70mph on a clear m25 run.

The interior styling is lovely, including a nice thin wheel, physical buttons and clear cluster. The infotainment isn't fantastic - there's not a lot to play with (which I like), but if you get a later car you can just run android auto or carplay. Sound system is lackluster and quality of the plastics below the waistline aren't great if you're looking. I've got the basic electric seats and wish they were more supportive pulling some G's but are absolutely fine just cruising. Rear space is good but getting in and out is awful due to the rear wheel arch intruding into the door too much. The boot is decently sized but the opening is a bit awkward, so although it has the space for larger suitcases, they won't fit through the aperture.

Overall as a driver I really enjoy the car and I'm never put off when I need to go anywhere in it. I think having the paddles makes it a really fun car as well. I wish they made an estate version and sometimes I wish I would have gone for the petrol for a bit more excitement from the engine. So far I've had zero issues with the car except for the rear tpms pulling up a warning even though they're showing the correct pressures.

2354519y

618 posts

151 months

Sunday 19th March 2023
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Just sold mine after 4 years. Veloce. Echoing above statements around ride and handling. Mine was on runflats, but they have set it up superbly.

I wouldn't swap them off. I've had two punctures, and they saved me all the bother of changing the tyres. Just inflated the tyre and got the puncture repaired when I had time.

I replaced the pirellis with Bridgestone run flats on the front. Road roar noticeably increased as did crabbing when parking. Not worth the saving in cost.


Very comfortable to drive over motorway distances and refined too.

Had a fair few bits replaced. So warranty is essential. Multiair unit failed. Expensive and time consuming fix. Took around a month.

Door handle mechanism broke during a cold snap two winters ago.

Folding seat handles very flimsy and broke twice and got replaced.

Bonnet opening handle was broken on collection from the dealer.

Centre console scratchy and I accidentally spilt some hand gel on it during Covid. It was a warm day and the alcohol in the gel heated up and partially dissolved the plastic leaving some horrible marks.


Noticed the other day that a chunk of rubber door seal had broken off and disappeared, explaining the enhanced wind roar I'd been experiencing lately.

So fit and finish of the interior not great.

But I don't think driving experience can really be bettered.

Good in a collision too. Mine was hit in the back whilst I was stationary and I had no injuries. Whilst the offending party had to be taken to hospital.



The bill to repair that came to £10K and took 6 weeks due to delays in parts availability.

Kuwahara

843 posts

18 months

Sunday 19th March 2023
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Had my Veloce 280 for 2 weeks now and honestly there is nothing like it ,steering is amazing and the car feels light and totally planted ,gets a lot of admiring glances and strangely had a few waves from Stelvio drivers….

r159

2,256 posts

74 months

Sunday 19th March 2023
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Kuwahara said:
Had my Veloce 280 for 2 weeks now and honestly there is nothing like it ,steering is amazing and the car feels light and totally planted ,gets a lot of admiring glances and strangely had a few waves from Stelvio drivers….
I’ll be one of those Stelvio drivers in 60hrs time…no regrets having the Giulia but it’s all change and my turn for the dog wagon…shame there wasn’t a Giulia estate.

velocemitch

3,808 posts

220 months

Monday 20th March 2023
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r159 said:
Kuwahara said:
Had my Veloce 280 for 2 weeks now and honestly there is nothing like it ,steering is amazing and the car feels light and totally planted ,gets a lot of admiring glances and strangely had a few waves from Stelvio drivers….
I’ll be one of those Stelvio drivers in 60hrs time…no regrets having the Giulia but it’s all change and my turn for the dog wagon…shame there wasn’t a Giulia estate.
That was my journey too, for exactly the same reasons. I loved my Giulia Veloce, the Stelvio is the closest thing to it which would do the job I need.
A Giulia Sportwagon would have been perfect!

r159

2,256 posts

74 months

Tuesday 21st March 2023
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velocemitch said:
r159 said:
Kuwahara said:
Had my Veloce 280 for 2 weeks now and honestly there is nothing like it ,steering is amazing and the car feels light and totally planted ,gets a lot of admiring glances and strangely had a few waves from Stelvio drivers….
I’ll be one of those Stelvio drivers in 60hrs time…no regrets having the Giulia but it’s all change and my turn for the dog wagon…shame there wasn’t a Giulia estate.
That was my journey too, for exactly the same reasons. I loved my Giulia Veloce, the Stelvio is the closest thing to it which would do the job I need.
A Giulia Sportwagon would have been perfect!
To be fair the only reason I managed to get a Giulia was because my OH had something the dog could go in…but when she started to sent me links to Stelvios on autotrader I knew the die was cast…

chopper602

2,178 posts

223 months

Thursday 23rd March 2023
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Had my Giulia close to 4 years and made a bit of a profit on it when I sold it about 18 months ago. Nothing went wrong really, faultless in almost 30k miles, but I do have a very good independent dealer very close to where I work, so was never a worry. Likes to have a decent charge on the battery, the Intelligent Battery Charging system isn't very intelligent. An overnight trickle every couple of months was enough to prevent any problems and I think that has been fixed now, as my wife's Stelvio Veloce has never needed this maintenance.

I changed the runflats to Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and they were superb (my wheels were staggered 18" too). Rear pads likely to need changing before the fronts due to all the stability control gubbins.

Would have one again, but I got my name on the GR86 list and just picked it up . . .

greenarrow

Original Poster:

3,582 posts

117 months

Thursday 23rd March 2023
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chopper602 said:
Had my Giulia close to 4 years and made a bit of a profit on it when I sold it about 18 months ago. Nothing went wrong really, faultless in almost 30k miles, but I do have a very good independent dealer very close to where I work, so was never a worry. Likes to have a decent charge on the battery, the Intelligent Battery Charging system isn't very intelligent. An overnight trickle every couple of months was enough to prevent any problems and I think that has been fixed now, as my wife's Stelvio Veloce has never needed this maintenance.

I changed the runflats to Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and they were superb (my wheels were staggered 18" too). Rear pads likely to need changing before the fronts due to all the stability control gubbins.

Would have one again, but I got my name on the GR86 list and just picked it up . . .
An Alfa Giulia AND then a GR86. You, sir, are a man of considerable taste!!


Edited by greenarrow on Thursday 23 March 15:01